Hollister Police Find Murder Suspect's Truck

Heriberto Onate Ramirez was named as a murder suspect. Police say that have recovered his truck but he is still on the run.

HOLLISTER, Calif. -

Police say they have a break in the murder case of Michael Cortez, who was murdered in October of 2013.

A silver 2007 GMC Sierra pickup, California license plate number 8W00530, was found in the area of Bolsa Road at Bloomfield Avenue. Neighbors called Santa Clara County Deputies to report that the truck had been abandoned in that area, possibly overnight.

As deputies began to investigate, they discovered that Holister police officers were looking for that truck in connection with Cortez's murder.

Police said that the abandoned truck belonged to Ramirez and may have been used in the murder. There appeared to be recent work done on the truck that is consistent with damage reported during the homicide investigation, said police.

The truck has a black hood and a new driver’s side headlight. It also has 24-inch chrome wheels. Police believe the black hood and wheels make the truck distinctive and someone will remember seeing it. If anyone recognizes the truck and may have information as to where it was stored or who may have been using it, please call the police department.

If anyone has further information regarding the silver 2007 GMC Sierra or the investigation into the homicide of Michael Cortez, the Hollister Police Department would like to ask that you contact the department’s Gang Officer Matthew Weiss at 831-636-4330 ext. 132 with that information. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.